FBC: Firebreak Is the Control Multiplayer FPS I Didn’t Know I Wanted

Control was crowned IGN's Game of the Year in 2019, and as one of the editors who voted for it, I was initially skeptical about Remedy's announcement of a multiplayer spin-off. Known for their captivating single-player third-person narratives, Remedy's shift to a multiplayer game seemed risky. However, my doubts were quickly dispelled after witnessing the hands-off demo of FBC: Firebreak, a three-player PvE first-person multiplayer shooter set six years post-Control. This game not only stands out in the crowded shooter genre but also offers a refreshingly unique and weird experience, distinct from the typical military or sci-fi shooters. The best part? It doesn't demand a huge time investment, as emphasized by game director Mike Kayatta: "We're not about daily check-ins. We're not interested in monthly grinds. We don't want to give anybody a second job."

FBC: Firebreak is designed for three-player co-op gameplay in an FPS format, offering flexibility with play sessions that can last from 20 minutes to a few hours. The game keeps things exciting with Perk unlocks and new character combinations. Set in The Oldest House, you'll take on the role of volunteer first responders during chaotic events, playing as characters with everyday jobs like secretaries and rangers. Although the Federal Bureau of Control might not label you as expendable, the reality is a bit different.

FBC: Firebreak - March 2025 Screenshots

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When you start playing, you'll select a Job (mission) and a Crisis Kit (your loadout), set the Threat Level (difficulty), and determine the Clearance Level, which dictates the number of zones you'll navigate. These zones are separated by containment doors, leading you to different stages of the Job. The demo showcased the "Paper Chase" Job, set in a seemingly ordinary office section of the FBC building, where you and your team combat the spreading Hiss. You can exit at any time, but to upgrade and purchase new gear, you must safely escape with the collected currency, which becomes increasingly challenging the longer you explore.

FBC: Firebreak distinguishes itself with its array of uniquely quirky weapons, many of which have a homemade charm. Imagine a hand-cranked snowball launcher that can douse fires and sticky-note monsters, or a zapper that can unleash lightning storms with the right attachment. Even a wrench equipped with a piggy bank toy can send a shower of coins at your foes. Alongside these unusual weapons, you'll find traditional options like machine guns and shotguns, the latter being essential for dealing with sticky-note monsters after soaking or zapping them.

The main objective of the "Paper Chase" Job is to clear out sticky notes before they overrun the building. Keep an eye on the counter in the upper left corner, as the number of notes increases throughout the mission, culminating in a battle against a colossal sticky-note monster reminiscent of Spider-Man 3's Sandman.

Beyond its eccentric weaponry, FBC: Firebreak introduces engaging in-universe mechanics like office supply shelves that replenish ammo, makeshift turrets assembled from a box, speakers that repel the Hiss, and rinse stations to remove sticky notes. Unlockable Perks add variety, such as one that returns missed bullets to your clip and another that lets you extinguish yourself by jumping. Collecting multiple instances of the same Perk enhances its effects, and three Perks allow you to share the benefit with your teammates.

FBC: Firebreak supports solo and duo play as well, and Remedy aims for a lower minimum PC spec while also supporting high-end features like DLSS4 with multi-frame generation, nVidia Reflex, and full ray-tracing. It will be Steam Deck verified and launch on day one on Xbox and PC Game Pass, as well as PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium. While there's a post-launch content plan and paid cosmetics, these will be the only microtransactions.

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Although I haven't played FBC: Firebreak yet, the demo certainly impressed me. This game is far from a typical multiplayer shooter, and its design as a quick, enjoyable online experience without the need for constant engagement is a nostalgic nod to simpler gaming times.